Query Dynamics CRM Data in MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench allows users to administer MySQL environments and gain better visibility into databases. When paired with CData Connect (on-premise or Connect Server), you get live access to Dynamics CRM data as if it were a MySQL database. This article shows how to create a virtual database for Dynamics CRM in Connect and work with live Dynamics CRM data in MySQL Workbench.

Create a Virtual MySQL Database for Dynamics CRM Data

CData Connect uses a straightforward, point-and-click interface to connect to data sources and generate APIs.

1. Login to Connect and click Connections.
2. Select "Dynamics CRM" from Available Data Sources.
3. Enter the necessary authentication properties to connect to Dynamics CRM.

   The connection string options meet the authentication and connection requirements of different Dynamics CRM instances. To connect to your instance, set the User and Password properties, under the Authentication section, to valid Dynamics CRM user credentials and set the Url to a valid Dynamics CRM server organization root. Additionally, set the CRMVersion property to 'CRM2011+' or 'CRMOnline'. IFD configurations are supported as well; set InternetFacingDeployment to true.

   Additionally, you can provide the security token service (STS) or AD FS endpoint in the STSURL property. This value can be retrieved with the GetSTSUrl stored procedure. Office 365 users can connect to the default STS URL by simply setting CRMVersion.

4. Click Save Changes
5. Click Privileges -> Add and add the new user (or an existing user) with the appropriate permissions.

With the virtual database created, you are ready to connect to Dynamics CRM from MySQL Workbench.

Query Dynamics CRM from MySQL Workbench

The steps below outline connecting to the virtual Dynamics CRM database in Connect from MySQL Workbench and issuing basic queries to work with live Dynamics CRM data.

Connect to Dynamics CRM through Connect

1. In MySQL Workbench, click to add a new MySQL connection.
2. Name the connection (CData Connect).
3. Set the Hostname, Port, and Username parameters to connect to the SQL Gateway.
4. Click Store in Vault to set and store the password.
5. Click Test Connection to ensure the connection is configured properly and click OK.

Query Dynamics CRM Data

1. Open the connection you just created (CData Connect).
2. Click File -> New Query Tab.
3. Write a SQL query to retrieve Dynamics CRM data, like SELECT * FROM dynamicscrmdb.Account;

With access to live Dynamics CRM data from MySQL Workbench, you can easily query and update Dynamics CRM, just like you would a MySQL database. Request a demo of the CData Connect and start working with Dynamics CRM just like a MySQL database today.